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Benzalkonium chloride

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Description

Benzalkonium chloride is used as an antiseptic agent in ophthalmic preparations, skin care products, contact lens solutions, etc. It is also used in medications for the relief of burns, cuts, local swelling of the skin and the mouth. Based on your clinical condition, it may also be used for other purposes that are not listed here.
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Side effectsConcernsUsage

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Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Benzalkonium chloride

Severe skin rash and hives

Blistering and peeling of skin

Difficulty in breathing

Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Signs and symptoms of infection

Swelling and redness at the application site

Skin irritation

Uses of Benzalkonium chloride

What is it prescribed for?

Skin infections

This medicine is used alone or in a combination with other medicines to prevent infections of the skin and the skin structures. It is also used as first aid to prevent the risk of infections in minor cuts, wounds, and burns. It may also be used as a cleansing agent for existing wounds and injuries.
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action

    The amount of time required by this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.

  • Duration of effect

    The amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.

  • Safe with alcohol?

    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

  • Is it habit forming?

    No habit-forming tendencies were reported.

  • Usage in pregnancy?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.

  • Usage while breast-feeding?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to benzalkonium chloride or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.

General warnings

Other medicines

Benzalkonium chloride may interact with many other medicines and may cause adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.

Use in children

This medicine is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age unless prescribed by the pediatrician. It should be used with caution in these cases.

Severe burns and cuts

This medicine is not recommended for use in case of severe burns or cuts since the risk of severe skin irritation is significantly high.

Animal bites and deep puncture wounds

This medicine is not recommended for use in case of animal bites and deep puncture wounds since the risk of severe skin irritation is significantly high.

Application on large areas

This medicine is not recommended for use if a large area of the skin is to be treated. An alternative treatment option should be considered in these cases under the supervision of your doctor.

Missed Dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

An overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Interaction with Medicine

Sodium Hyaluronate

Disease interactions

Disease

Information not available.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Apply this medicine following all the instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not apply this medicine to large areas of the skin. Avoid the use of this medicine on large wounds, animal bites, and deep puncture wounds. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effects or if the symptoms do not improve after multiple applications.

Miscelleneous

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works

This medicine works by interfering with certain vital functions in the cell of the pathogen, causing the death of the microbes.

Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Antiseptic and germicides

Schedule

OTC

DailyMed - Benzalkonium chloride (0.13%) cloth [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3d88dcc6-9cc7-46f5-9928-c019a035ee70

DailyMed - Benzalkonium chlolride liquid [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2ca9d98d-ac29-4872-8e97-3c46f274199c

[Internet]. Chemotechnique.se. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:

https://www.chemotechnique.se/get_pdf.php?l=en&p=493

[Internet]. Oie.int. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:

https://www.oie.int/doc/ged/D8965.PDF
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Information on this page was last updated on 28 Dec 2018

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.